About The Gathering Place.

Who we are. What we believe. Some of our core convictions. 

Who We Are

We are a Foursquare Church located in beautiful Silverton, Oregon. We are a community that is centered around the person and the teachings of Jesus.  

Our Vision

We are a community committed to helping people learn and live the way of Jesus in Silverton. We long to be a church that fosters belonging within Jesus centered community and belief in the true story of humanity as told by Jesus, so that we can become people of love and our truest selves. 

Meet Our Team

Get to know the staff that leads our church. 
James & Ashley Gerber

James & Ashley Gerber

Pastors of Vision & Teaching

James & Ashley are our pastors of The Gathering Place. As of April of 2025 they will be leading our community toward discipleship to Jesus. They have lived in Salem, Oregon for the past six years and spent most of their adult lives living in Spokane, Washington & the PNW. They have five amazing daughters: Natalie, Mia, Claire, Charlotte & Layla! They are so excited to see what Jesus will do in the community of Silverton as we live the way of Jesus together! 

Laney Bliss

Laney Bliss

Staff Pastor + Ministry Coordinator

Laney grew up in Silverton and loves our town! Laney loves her family and friends and is always down to host a party! If there is ever a three day weekend; you can't rule out the possibility that Laney is either on a lake or at Disneyland! She is an integral part of our team and is involved in a variety of areas within the church. From youth, directing camps and administration, to teaching on Sunday mornings, Laney is a gift to our church!                                            

Lacey Carlson

Lacey Carlson

Staff Pastor + Bookeeping

Lacey grew up in Silverton and is so excited to be a part of a church community in the town that she loves! When she is not hiking on a trail or climbing a mountain, you'll find Lacey serving and loving people! Along with bookkeeping, Lacey is involved in a variety of areas within the church. From youth ministry, hospitality, to hosting our Sunday gatherings, she is at the heart of so much that makes The Gathering Place the community that it is!                            

Our Beliefs

We believe that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8). The writings of the scriptures are authoritative and hold weight for us as believers today! Although they were not written directly to us, they were written for us. To see our statement of faith, our distinctives as a Foursquare Church, and all that we believe about the bible, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and well as other areas of doctrine, please head to our Foursquare denominations website HERE. 

We believe spiritual formation is a process that God intends every disciple of Jesus to experience. The way we see it; the stories we believe, the communities we belong to and lifestyle we live determines who you become. 

Believe. Belong. Become. 

Believe: The invitation of Jesus is to grow in believing his teaching to the point of obedience & lordship in every area of life. We believe his words are life, and he tells us the truest story about life and how to truly love.

Belong: The invitation of Jesus is to experience community with others who are pursuing discipleship to Jesus is where we experience true belonging. We believe we are called to create discipleship communities that are modeled after the way Jesus and the early church did it. 

Become: The invitation of Jesus is to become people of love, who have reorganized their lives around the practicing the lifestyle of Jesus and the pursuit of his presence. We believe the works of Jesus are a natural bi-product of an abiding relationship with Jesus. Our fruitfulness is dependent on a connectedness to Jesus. 

We believe that Discipleship to Jesus is non-optional for the believer. The invitation to "Follow" Jesus is an invitation to a whole life surrendered to Jesus and his way. He is to be both our savior and our Lord. 

What is a disciple of Jesus?

We define a disciple of Jesus as someone who learns his words, walks in his ways, and attempts his works

We believe there are three goals of every Disciple of Jesus: 

1. To Be with Jesus. In the language found in John 15, we learn to abide with him. We spend our lives attempting to be with him and have an awareness of his presence, and learn to hear his voice. 

2. To Become like Jesus. As we are with Jesus learning from him, the natural by-product is that we begin to be transformed into people of Love, joy and peace.  (2 Corinthians 3:18, Galatians 5:22-23)

3. To Do the things that He would do if he were us. Apart from Jesus we can do nothing. A natural by-product of being with him and hearing his voice is that we do the kinds of things that Jesus did. We love others in the way that he loves. We are created by God to do good works that he has prepared in advance for us to do. Jesus has invited us to participate with him in the renewal of all things and to live in his Kingdom now.